Family Law Legal Glossary

Family Court: This term refers to the court that deals with a legal proceeding pertaining to family law and domestic disputes. Cases conducted in family court involve child custody, divorce, paternity, protective orders, adoptions, and more.

Legal Separation: This is when a married couple legally splits physically and financially. The key distinction between legal separation and divorce is this course of action does not officially terminate the marriage.

Dissolution: A complete separation, a dissolution of marriage, legally terminates physical and financial ties while ending the marriage in its entirety.

Annulment: Dissolving an invalid marriage with no lasting legal repercussions, and the court treats it as if it never occurred in the first place. The court may consider an annulment if you were married under one of the following circumstances:

  • One of the spouses did not consent to the marriage.
  • One spouse has a preexisting legitimate marriage, also known as bigamy.
  • Both or one party was intoxicated or under the influence
  • The ceremony was improperly conducted, like having a lack of a witness
  • The relationship between the spouses is incestual.

Marital Property: In the confines of Louisiana law, the court recognizes any property obtained during the marriage as community property. Some things that fall under shared property include homes, bank accounts, insurance, debt, vehicles, and any business ventures. However, any property acquired by either of the former spouses after the legal termination of the marriage will not be considered communal.

Custody: A court-granted right and duty for a legal minor's custody, supervision, and judgment. During a divorce, the court can divide the custody of a child between the legal parents or guardians in a few ways:

  • Shared custody: both parents have equal time and authority
  • Split custody: cases where there are multiple children and each parent has sole custody over one child or more.
  • Joint custody: both parents have equal authority, but their individual time delegated to the child involved is not equal
  • Sole custody: in situations where one parent is unfit to have custody over the child, the court grants the other parent full custody

Guardian ad litem: This is an unbiased individual appointed by the court to investigate a child's condition and report their findings and assessment to the court on the best course of action for your child.

Paternity: This is the term used to identify the father of a child, used to solidify a legal relationship between the father and child in cases where the parents are not married. A child born to an unmarried mother has no legal father registered on its certificate unless the parents decide to legalize the paternity.

Protective Order: This is when the court demands one party to stay away from another party. Also commonly referred to as a restraining order, this acts as a preventive measure to stop or restrain an individual from inflicting harm on the person they are prohibited from contacting.

Child Support: This refers to when the court orders the noncustodial parent to give recurring payments to the parent with custody to help financially support a child who is a minor.

Spousal Support: When the court orders one spouse to pay alimony, which is financial support, to the other spouse during the divorce and, in some cases, afterward the proceedings.

Retroactive Support: Cases when the noncustodial parent or the spouse has to make payments or “payback” the other party for a period of time preceding the court order.

TPR (Termination of Parental Rights): When the court deems a parent unfit and revokes their custodial rights without written consent, so others may legally adopt the child.

Adoption: An adoption is when an adult legally takes custody, authority, and responsibility of a child who is not biologically their own. This process erases legal ties from the minor’s previous guardians and biological parents. An individual who wants legal authority and custodial rights over a child will file an adoption petition. The court sets forth an adoption decree if they agree to finalize the petition.

Our Family Law Attorneys

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David Joseph Rozas
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Keith Mikesell
Attorney at Law
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Britton Evers
Senior Family Law Attorney
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Emiia Charles
Attorney at Law
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Madeline Galland
Attorney at Law
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Lissa Bernardo Lising
Attorney at Law
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Emiia Charles
Attorney at Law
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I’m so glad I picked Rozas’ to help me through my divorce. They handled everything so well, quickly, and cost-effectively. In particular, Brandi, who I interacted with the most was beyond amazing. She always responded to messages right away, and not only was efficient but also compassionate in the way that she interacted with me. Definitely recommend!

Mary Allen

David is very professional & friendly. Never had to wait for multiple days before he responded to our calls or replied to my emails with an answer to our questions & concerns. Responding in a timely manner made us feel that our needs were not taken lightly. It truly was a really positive experience.

Mirna Sorto

I am so very thankful that I found Rozas & Rozas Law Firm. They were so professional and nice. I was blown away with how fast they got me in and was able to help me with my situation. Corey was so helpful. He felt more like a friend than an attorney but I am so grateful for them during the WHOLE experience and I most definitely will use them if I ever need that law assistance again! Thank you Rozas & Rozas. :)

Trévon Dyson

For all my Latin friends who are going through immigration and legal processes, I recommend this law firm since they are excellent. They defend the Latino community very well. They are very professional and attentive. They respond to you immediately and fight for your case. A thousand thanks to Pamela for being super attentive and Nancy who was exceptional. Also to John Sharby and his colleagues who worked on my wife's case who was in a Louisiana detention center, they are the best. Many thanks to all for their professionalism.

Aidevis Zamora

Very good service from all the Rozas & Rozas workers, they help all the immigrants as if they were their family. In my personal experience I have to thank the majority but in my case directly to Tirsa, Danira, Alejandra, Ana and the lawyer Rachel🙏 🙏🏻🙏🏻..Thank you on behalf of my cousin Fidel and the whole family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Dunia Rodriguez

We couldn't be more happy about choosing this law-firm. We live in Miami and have a friend that needed help with an immigration case. We did a lot of research and called many different firms and decided to go with Rozas and Associates. From the moment we called, Nancy took the time to explain us everything and what our options were, she was very patient and helpful. Once we decided to hire them, Joseph, David and Rachel were assigned to our case. Rachel is THE BEST! She answered our calls always, and whenever she was busy or not available to talk, she always called us back or texted us... every question that we had throughout the process was professionally and patiently answered by her. She's amazing!!!

Dany Thimann

Rozas and Associates Law Firm was absolutely amazing handling a case for me. They were very nice and got back to me and whatever I needed. The bond department was on top of everything and managed to get bond for the case. I couldn’t recommend a more better or more reliable group of people to handle immigration cases.

Hannah Castillo

This law firm is amazing! David represented me in my case and he could not have done a better job. The staff is so professional and friendly. Especially Jessica. They make you feel like your case is the most important one they are working. I plan to recommend them to all of my friends and family who may need their services.

Michelle Barron

Jessica and David were amazing! They made me feel like my issue was important, they took the time to explain things to me and prepare me for any outcome, they were always there every time I called them with any questions, and always looked and acted very professional. I highly recommend them! 😊

Stacey Garcia

They are the best immigration lawyers. Thanks to the lawyer Rachel my husband won his asylum. They are more than more than recommended, it was a blessing from God that they represent my husband.

Jaqueline Burgos

I wanted to apply for my citizenship and Jessica referred me to Rozas and Associates. They made the whole process seem so simple. David and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, not to mention friendly. I highly recommend them for any of your immigration issues.

Janie Garcia

Attentive, thorough, passionate about justice for immigrants, honest and fair – these are some of the words to describe Rozas and Associates law firm. My boyfriend was detained at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana in June 2019. We hired Rozas to represent him because of their reputation amongst the detainees in the Center. Rachel Chappell and the rest of the Rozas team worked tirelessly to assist us – and he won full asylum one week ago.

Josie Lalonde

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Frequetly Asked Questions

What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?

An Alien Registration Number (or A-number) is a unique number essential for tracking your immigration journey, from applying for residency to securing U.S. citizenship. Whether you’re filing a green card application, applying for a work permit, or petitioning for a visa, your A-number plays a crucial role in keeping your paperwork in order.

What Is The Cost of Child Custody Evaluation in Louisiana?

Embarking on the journey of child custody assessments in Louisiana can be as challenging financially as it is emotionally. For parents facing this pivotal process, or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

What is DACA?

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that offers a lifeline to undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as kids. It helps protect them from deportation and allows them to work legally.

Can a Lawyer Expedite My Immigration Case?

Absolutely, a lawyer can potentially accelerate your immigration case by adeptly navigating legal complexities and advocating on your behalf within the bounds of the law and available procedures.

All FAQs
What is DACA?

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that offers a lifeline to undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as kids. It helps protect them from deportation and allows them to work legally.

What is the Difference Between 42A and 42B Immigration?

In the intricate landscape of U.S. immigration law, understanding the nuances of different legal provisions is more than just a necessity – it's a lifeline. For those facingor professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

Can a Lawyer Expedite My Immigration Case?

Absolutely, a lawyer can potentially accelerate your immigration case by adeptly navigating legal complexities and advocating on your behalf within the bounds of the law and available procedures.

What Are The Requirements to Sponsor an Immigrant?

Sponsoring an immigrant to come to the United States is a complex process with many steps. This is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to answer the question, “What areor professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas and Associates.

Immigration
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Criminal
What Is The Cost of Child Custody Evaluation in Louisiana?

Embarking on the journey of child custody assessments in Louisiana can be as challenging financially as it is emotionally. For parents facing this pivotal process, or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

Family

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